bryanvabeach

Hey all,

I am really wanting an 09 RL nbp with tech and cmbs and wondering how hard this will be to come by and what kind of price could I expect? and also if anyone owns an 09 and can tell me about it likes/dislikes and overall reliability and dealership experience with acura as this will be my first acura. I am coming from a 2006 Infiniti M45 Sport that I have just grown to despise, and also despise the service department and the whole dealership attitude in general. Any advice on this would be great and also if anyone has any experience with Hall Acura in Virginia Beach as that is the closest dealer to me. Thanks!

Rhlieu

CMBS on any year RL's (06-09) will be a difficult task. However with already limited production (or maybe no production at all) & slumping sales of the 2009-2010 RL's, the possibility of finding one is very slim.

The reviews for the MMC 09's RL have been positive with many improvements (minus the power plenum grill) is a great value if you are looking for a luxury *SH*awd sedan that is elegant yet still has the "sporty" feel.

I'm sure Mr. Bigkat (very happy owner of a 09 *Bless his heart*)will interject some of his owner experience and his take on the reliability of the RL.

getakey

there's no used 2009 RLs listed within 300 miles of SF, CA

neuronbob

Welcome to AZ!

Your best bet for pricing is to look at the RL Owner's Sign In thread at the top of the main RL forum page. This includes purchase price and should give you an idea of what people are paying for the 2009. Once you get enough posts, you can also PM 037 and BigKat and they will tell you about their ownership experience, if they don't chime in here first.

BigKat103

You will find this car if you search. I basically went to Google typed in Acura *then a state*, clicked over to the "Maps" tab and every single Acura dealer pops up. I went through the individual dealer websites checking inventory to find my color combo. I also used Autotrader, but not all the dealers list new cars on this site so that is when I went the Google route. It will take time, but they must be out there. (try Boston/CT/NJ, a lot of RLs up the east coast). Many dealers only have a couple, so it will go fast. I went 200 miles to get my car. Almost went 650 miles. Bottom line, you will have to travel to get this car. I believe it is worth it, but I am biased. Mentally prepare yourself.

For price, use www.truecar.com. Excellent site and very accurate. I paid (new) $43.7K for a Tech. Your CMBS's "great price" is $47K right now. I would hope you can do better than this given the "swift" sales of this car. When I bought my car in June there was $2000 marketing support to help. Not sure with the '10s hitting if that is still available. If you shop, the prices will come down. The CMBS/ACC will be tough, but plenty of Tech packages around. FYI, Pohanka has 3 CBP Techs in stock. I emailed them in my search and Omar basically told me he would "do anything" to sell me the car. They are motivated. PM me and we can talk more about what I did.

Service...This was my second Acura and I have had nothing but positive experience with my home dealer. They were very cool when I brought my RL in for inspection (PA required) and told me it doesn't matter where I bought the car, I would be treated no differently than if I bought it there. I had a relationship with them due to the wife's car, so it really wasn't a big deal. My Acura experience has been nothing but positive. Loaners, WiFi, doughnuts, etc. All I care about is good service and I get it.

The car...........I love my car.....it is quite the machine. I came from an Accord, so there is nothing I don't like about the RL. Much, much nicer than our '05 MDX in terms of luxury and performance. Just sit in it and you will be sucked in. Your situation is different coming from the M, so your expectations are going to be higher, but I don't think you will be disappointed. You will have to drive it. It is deceptively fast, good off the line and handles like no other. I like how it can drive like a boat, but the faster you go, the tighter she gets and becomes sports car-like. A blast to drive and definitely commands the road. I personally like the look of this car, sounds like you do as well. I suggest you begin to block out the relentless "plenum" bashing that goes on. This car is gorgeous and they all love it deep down inside, they just won't admit it.

Another member, 037, has an '09 RRP CMBS/ACC. I am hoping he posts as well.

Rhlieu

Speaking of the :devilgrin Very extensive and elaborate response! I would have not expected anything less from the 09 RL fan club representatives!

In all seriousness, the RL is a fabulous sedan and be impressive with all facets of this vehicle. You will not go wrong if you decide on the RL!

stevesrl

The car is gorgeous. Lately I've been seeing a black one on the drive home. It definitely makes a commanding presence.

bryanvabeach

Wow thanks for all the quick replies guys. When searching if I do find the one for me is it possible to ask my local dealership to ship it in versus driving to go get it? and also CMBS is not the end all be all for me just thought it would be nice to have, but tech is a must. Coming from the Infiniti M45 has not left me with high expectations to be honest, the M has been as far from smooth as can be, fast acceleration elicits major driveline vibration, as does back off the throttle at interstate speeds. Transmission slips from 1st to 2nd (on its own revs to 4K before hitting 2nd) and dealer still says "all is normal" in short the first 30K miles with this car were great but not anymore. Also lastly I must mention the awful quality of the interior, buzzing, rattles, pieces falling off, random fuses for button lights going out on a nightly basis.

037

I guess my turn to chime in.

First of all, 09 RL is no boat...I have no idea what kind of seas BigKat is travelling on but mine never floated. It's a nice performance/comfort oriented ride.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-photograph-gallery-91/037-09-rl-cmbs-redondo-red-709423/

As far as quality, minor stuff like sun roof door rattle, shitty wipers (possibly needed to be re-alligned), and mediocre grand touring tires.

I love mine, no doubt about it. So if you need a performance perspective...PM me.

here's an 09 owner thread

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/09-rl-owners-unite-715616/

and here's what happens when a half modded TSX tries to pass you :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLHWXyGT-CM

couple red cars in HD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkOu2nI3AT4

walk around of my CMBS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkUSvpHEoak

BigKat103

To me the interior is impecable, but I only have 3500 miles on the car. It is pretty much the same interior as the '05-'08 RLs (I will call KB1s so I don't have to type that everytime) and I haven't seen any real complaints/issues with it. I have the Taupe interior which is very sharp as all the chrome components flow with the light gray leather/dash. I also love the black wood which is unique to the '09+ Taupe. CMBS/ACC gets the very nice Curly Maple, it is sharp. You really can't go wrong with any of the interiors.

In reading AZ I haven't heard of many interior/leather issues. One of the best attributes to the car IMO. Seems like it will hold up based on the KB1 owners. Build quality looks/feels good to me. I don't expect any issues based on that. Those ventilated seats are so nice. It's like having an air conditioned recliner as your driver's seat (and passenger).

This car is not the fastest off the line, but it is built like a tank. Smooth is how I would describe the acceleration. At first it felt like I wasn't moving, next thing I know I am going 50 MPH. Like I said, sneaky! The up shifting is barely noticable to me. If slow acceleration, usually around 3000-4000 RPMs. Fast acceleration the engine reves higher and shifts around 4000-5000 rpms depending on the acceleration rate. It is not jerky at all. I do feel the down shift from 4 to 3 to 2, but it is subtle pull and controlled depending on the situation. (You can solve these issues by just going into S mode and using the paddle shifters and control it yourself, always fun). I feel my tranny is getting trained and I am convinced it is getting faster off the line, but it is likely me just getting used to the car.

In terms of handling, I feel very much in control of the car at all times whether I am tooting at 20 MPH or flooring it to 80 MPH. No rattles or the like. The SH-AWD is amazing to keep things controlled, I am in awe every time I drive it. The system responds instantaneously to keep things balanced. I have tried very hard to make it slip and it just won't do it, even in heavy rains (no snow yet). It is like your tires are velcro-ed to the road.

In reading AZ there hasn't been too many complaints about noise. I don't have any. Some of the KB1 owners talked about wind noise from the windshield, but I see that from mostly '05 owners, not many '06+. Outside of that it has been tire related. My car is extremely quiet, that ANC system works very well. Only time I hear real noise is when I gun the engine. The highway noise increases based on the quality of the road surface. I can carry on phone conversations without issues via bluetooth. (the AC fan speed is more of an issue with the bluetooth when it is cranked up. I would expect this is an issue on most cars).

Good luck finding that CMBS. In my experience, you will lose that extra $1000-$2000 in buying power in a dealer trade. You are better off going to get the car. I did this, with a trade, and having to register once I got home. It wasn't that hard, but I did my homework first to make sure there were no issues. The RL is 50 state emissions approved, so you won't have any issues registering it in VA. For my purchase, I negotiated the whole deal via phone/email before I even drove to the dealership. It is doable. I am happy to go through the details of my experience with you if you would like.

I think I covered your points. As you have seen brevity is not a strength (Rhileau was kind enough to point that out). I am not a car guy, but am learning. This place has been great for that. Being the '09 is a mid model refresh, they really worked out a lot of kinks from the KB1s that I hope I never have to deal with. The engine & AWD system had the biggest changes, so I feel good about Honda being on top of that from the get go. The interior was tweaked, but nothing earth shattering mechanically (the audio connections and ventilated seats from what I see) everything else is cosmetic and carried over.

Good luck!

037

As far as acceleration, if curious, I timed my self doing 0-60 in 6.48 and 1/4 in 14.9 @ 95mph based on my Escort GT2 Timer/chirper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O_P3B_Shbw

037

in case you wanted to hear just the engine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx82TwPdEp8

if you listen really closely you can hear me say the F word @ 0:16 when I hit gravel, ehehe

037

I posted a ton of videos on youtube, I really am enjoying this car a lot.

BigKat103

The vast seas of hills in Southwestern PA!! Nothing like it. She rides smooth was my point, your description is better.

Hey 037, I wasn't able to view most of those videos, do I need to be a member of Youtube to see them?

037

should be fixed now, I had them as private.

neuronbob

Great videos, Leo!

We need more 2009 owners, hope you join the club, bryan!

037

Bob, you running stock HIDs?

I have a feeling 50w bulbs would work just fine...and those kick some serious @$$

bryanvabeach

Thanks for the vids, 037 that makes me even more excited about obtaining one. Actually I am up in washington DC right now for a few days and looked online and found a dealership in alexandria, just a short drive from my hotel that has a 2010 AWP with tech in stock, even though NBP is my color of choice I think I could like this too and plan on possibly taking a look at it tommorow, if all goes well maybe I wont be driving back to va beach in the M lol! Actually I think I already have a good idea of how reliable Acuras are, 2 things that made me consider the brand and care are 1.) my best friend has an 06 TSX that she treats like crap, doesnt do most of the maintenance, etc.. and it still treats her right, lol I do everything for my M and it still kicks my a$$ and 2.) 3 weeks ago I was at an exxon in VB and saw an NBP 09 RL not knowing what kind of car it was at first but knew it was sexy, so immediately got home and researched, again thanks for all the help and advice I'll keep everyone updated with my visit to the Alexandria dealer tomorrow!

037

don't sound too interested when you go there. They can't sell em for their life, don't make their job easier.

DO tell em how much you're enjoying your M and how you're considering getting another one.

I have no idea how you can afford a 2010 at your age...but HAGGLE either way

bryanvabeach

Got It! After my 1st dealership experience buying the M almost 3 years ago I know how to handle myself, after making the mistake of showing how much I wanted it and the salesman saw it and got me talked into outright rediculous financing terms that I luckily refinanced 6 months later, So Im wiser now at least I think so lol. Does anyone have a real world idea of what I can expect for a trade in KBB I find doesnt help but so much its an 06 with 52K miles if that helps at all.

037

here are some recent ebay sales just to give you a ballpark

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-...=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/07-In...=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Pre-O...=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...=p4506.c0.m245

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...=p4506.c0.m245

^M45

Good luck

BigKat103

Autotrader is listing used '06 M45s between $29K to $33K, so the KBB value of $20K seems low to me, $25K seems about right, but who knows. I would beat them down, leave and let them call you before you head home regardless of the offer. Leave emotion at the hotel and make them beg.

bryanvabeach

I was figuring the way the dealers are I'd be lucky for somewhere between 18-20K and although I dont want to get screwed on trade in I dont want the trouble of selling myself either, also as far as financing directly through Acura are there terms and rates usually pretty good, my own bank (Wachovia, or now Wells Fargo) I guess isn't giving me a wonderful quote.

BigKat103

Acura Financial is usually just okay. They aren't running any finance specials for the RL, so don't be shocked it is 6%+ from Acura. Our MDX was financed through AHF in '05, I have had no issues. Statements come like clockwork every month and they have a solid customer service department.

For my RL, I financed through the dealer (Chase), BUT, I got a solid quote for an outside loan that gave them a number to beat. AAA also has a finance group, they may be open tomorrow for a quick quote. I got 4.74% a couple of months ago. May be worth a couple of phone calls in the AM and some surfing tonight to get something to work from as you negotiate. The dealer was talking like 5.5+% before I told them I had 5%, then the finance manager came in at 4.74% so we would get the deal done in the same day. Also, if you want an extended warranty, I paid $1400 for a 6 year/100K bump to bump and powertrain. You can buy after the fact, but I wanted to get it done there (could have done for $1200 after the fact). They will tell you can't, but that is BS. There are a few dealer sponsors here that sell them and they are the real deal AcuraCare Warranty. Shop any accessories you want at the Acura eStore. I found the selling dealers were quoting well above the website. There are also a couple of dealer sponsors here that will also sell at a deeper discount if you want to install yourself after the fact (search Kaleb Cunningham and he will pop up).

On your trade, not sure of VA law, but in PA the trade value is subtracted from the sale price for sales tax calcs. Probably the same there, so $20K (at 7%) is $1400 saved vs. selling yourself at the same price. Food for thought. Just be unreasonable about a number (i.e. $25K) and they will come around once you leave the store. You should be able to get $500 to $1000 somewhere out of them to get the deal done. They would be foolish not to. Always another fish in the ocean. This is their chance to take advantage of your visit, make sure they pay for the convenience.

bryanvabeach

Update: Not so good, went to the dealership today and was not impressed one bit with the attitudes of everyone there, they all had the Im bothering them, inconvienienced thing going on. The salesman I briefly saw after waiting about 15 minutes was my own age and I guess therefore he didnt feel the need to treat me with respect because he certainly didnt, I explained to him that I wanted to take a look at an RL just to compare it to my M before I went off and bought another M and then he said it "You sure you can afford one?" and thats when I had to walk away, Im sorry but I dont enjoy being treated like that. So with looking online I discovered hall acura in VB in my hometown now has an 09 with Tech and 4500 miles but theyre asking 49K which is outrageous but maybe I will have better luck visiting them once I get back in town, I have heard a couple good things about them so we will see, anyway just providing an update with my search, now I am out to discover dc night life lol!

BigKat103

Sorry to hear that Bryan. I had a couple of those experiences as well, not appreciated at all. You would think the M would give them an indication. This may be a chance to leverage the dealer by complaining, but you seem like a man to me that doesn't need to justify anything to anyone, especially to a car dealer, more power to you.

I did most of my shopping/negotiations with the internet sales managers. They tend to be a higher caliber salesperson and it is their job to take you seriously. If any advice, shoot Hall an email that you are interested so you make an appointment and don't end up getting "the new guy" walking in the door.

Was this dealer Pohanka in Chantilly? I would be disappointed if it was. They were real motivated with me. Don't mean to push them, but Omar made a good impression with me. May be worth sending an email to touch base and see what he can do.

Anyway, keep plugging, the RL will be your payoff in the end and it will be a happy ending.

bryanvabeach

Update: Was just looking on ebay this morning and found an NBP 09 w/tech, although the buy it now price is a little high for $12K miles, or is this a good deal? Has anyone had experience buying cars from ebay, I've only bought a laptop from ebay over 2 years ago.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-...=p4506.c0.m245

BigKat103

Hey Bryan, the info I give below is based on my research in May/June of this year. I have no experience on eBay. My input is on pricing.

I think this is a little high for used (not CPO). Most private sellers I had seen were unloading at $39K to $40K for Tech's. (037 bought his CMBS for $40K). The dealer CPOs were in the $41K to $42K range with this kind of mileage. I have noticed the prices going up on Autotrader, so perhaps that is the trend. I almost bought a CPO SJM CMBS for $42.3K, but opted for the new Tech. This was at the beginning of June.

Here is a CPO CBP Tech in MD:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

I just looked up that CPO SJM CMBS I almost bought on Autotrader. Man they are pricing this thing to sell! I know what they paid at auction and this isn't much over that cost., so they are obviously looking to unload it. Man, where was that price a couple of months ago. No regrets, but jeeze, this car was immaculate.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Hope this helps

BigKat103

Edit: The CBP Tech above is not CPO, I apologize for the confusion there. Looks nice, not to far away from you either.